Hidden message apparatus

ABSTRACT

A hidden message apparatus comprising at least one element having a first message zone with a first message disposed therein and removable opaque means covering said message. A second element having a second message zone and a second message disposed therein. The second message is the same as the first message. Means are provided for releasably coupling the first element to the second element so the content of the first message will be known until the first element is separated from the second element.

nited States Patent [191 Seidman [11] 3,822,901 July 9,1974

[ HIDDEN MESSAGE APPARATUS [75] Inventor: Jack Seidman, Philadelphia,Pa.

[73] Assignee: Spot-O-Gold Corporation,

Philadelphia, Pa.

22 Filed: Nov. 13,1972

[21] Appl. No.: 306,236

[52} US. Cl. 283/6, 40/2 R [51] Int. Cl B42d 15/00 [58] Field ofSearch..... 283/6; 206/56 AB; 273/139; 40/2 R [56] References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS 975,887 11/1910 Newton 283/6 X 1,011,706 12/1911Allegretti 283/6 X 1,028,724 6/1912 Hirsch 283/6 X 1,527,929 2/1925Simons 283/6 X 3,420,364 1/1969 Kennedy 206/56 AB 3,455,575 7/1969Seidman 283/6 3,481,460 12/1969 Watts ..206/56 AB Primary Examinerlawrence Charles Attorney, Agent, or Firm--Seide1, Gonda & GoldhammerABSTRACT A hidden message apparatus comprising at least one elementhaving a first message zone with a first message disposed therein andremovable opaque means 7 covering said message. A second element havinga second message zone and a second message disposed therein. The secondmessage is the same as the first message. Means are provided forreleasably coupling the first element to the second element so thecontent of the first message will be known until the first element isseparated from the second element.

11 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures FIG."

WRITE 4 PEACE FORGIVE LOVE MISS Ypu PATENTEDJUL 919 14 1 HIDDEN MESSAGEAPPARATUS This invention relates to a hidden message apparatus and moreparticularly to a hidden message apparatus of the type wherein a messagewhich is the same as the hidden message is displayed so that the Contentof the hidden message can be determined.

It would be desirable to provide a convenient way for affixing hiddenmessages to various articles such as letters, envelopes, and the like,so that the existence of the message would be known only to those havinga familiarity with the nature of the apparatus employed to transmit thesame. Further, it would be desirable if the apparatus in which themessagewas hidden would indicate if some one had tampered with it.

Additionally, it would be advantageous if such hidden messages werearranged in a convenient form so that they could be readily merchandisedto the public.

Accordingly, the invention generally relates to a first element having amessage thereon and a removable, opaque means overlying the message andcovering it. The first element is releasably coupled to a carrier. Thecarrier has a second message thereon which is the same as the hiddenmessage. Thus, while the first element is connected to the carrier, thenature of the hidden message can be readily determined. However, oncethe first element is separated from the carrier, the content of themessage can onlybe determined by removing the opaque hiding material.

Additionally, the invention relates to an apparatus having a pluralityof first elements which are coupled to a carrier wherein each of theplurality of first elements has a message thereon hidden by removableopaque covering means. Messages which are the same as the hiddenmessages are disposed on the second element so that the content of eachof the hidden messages can be determined.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in thedrawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood,however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown. v

F 1G. 1 is a plan view of an apparatus constructed in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a presently preferred form of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an envelope with one of the first elements ofthe present invention attached thereto.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals refer tolike elements throughout the several views, there is shown in F 1G. 1 anapparatus constructed in accordance with a presently preferred form ofthe invention.

The apparatus comprises a plurality of first elements 12. Each of thefirst elements may be of any convenient shape although, it is presentlypreferred that they be rectangular. The elements 12 have a surface 14 onwhich a first message zone 16 is defined. The first message zone maybedefined by embossrnent, colors, an outline, or the like. Asillustrated, the message zone may take the configuration of a heart.However, it is conceivable that the shape of the first message zone 16might be that of a diamond, a triangle, a square, a circle, a star, orany other convenient configuration.

Disposed within the first message zone 16 is a suitable first message18. The messages may have any desired content. As illustrated, they maycomprise simple one word sentiments such as LOVE," PEACE," MOTHER or thelike. Additionally, other messages such as ARE YOU FREE, CALL ME TONIGHTand the like could be utilized. For the purposes of the invention, thesentiments expressed by the various messages are not important. However,they may be selected to have substantial commercial appeal in connectionwith the merchandising of the apparatus.

Suitable-means 22 is provided for hiding the first message in each ofthe first message zones 16 so that it is not visible. A suitable hidingmeans may comprise a plurality of discrete pressure sensitive opaquetape portions wherein each portion covers one of the first message zones16. Thus, to read one of the first messages 18, the tape portion whichcovers it is removed.

Another hiding means may comprise a metal foil having an adhesivecoating on one face thereof.

A presently preferred hiding means is a metal foil having a thickness ofabout 0.0003 to 0.0010 inches. The metal foil may be heat stamped from apaper or plastic backing onto a first message zone 16. Preferably thehiding means has the same configuration as the first message zone 16.

Foil or pressure sensitive tape may be readily removed withoutdestroying the message within the first message zone. When the metalfoil is heat stamped on the message zone, it may be easily erased,thereby revealing the message printed thereunder. The metal foil isparticularly advantageous since any unauthorized attempt to erase itwill be readily apparent.

In the drawing, for the purposes of illustration, some first messagesare revealed entirely, other first messages are partially visible sincethe opaque means 22 covering them has been partially removed, and stillother first messages are totally hidden by the opqaue means 22.

The first elements 12 are releasably coupled to a carrier 28. Carrier 28may be a relatively large card or other suitable member having a zone 30in which illustrations or advertising materials may be printed.

In a presently preferred form of the invention, carrier 28 is providedwith a plurality of apertures 32 in which the first elements 12 aredisposed. To this extent, each of the apertures 32 has the sameconfiguration and is substantially the same size as the first element 12which is to be disposed therein.

Suitable means is provided for releasably coupling the first elements tothe carrier.

A presently preferred means for releasably coupling the first element tothe carrier comprises the use of a third element 36 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Thethird element also functions as a backing and reinforcement member forthe apparatus. To this extent, a layer of adhesive is placed on thesurfaces of the first element and the carrier which is opposite to thaton which the hidden mes- The apertures 32 are disposed in spacedrelation to each other to form second message zones 42 adjacent eachapertures 32. A second message is displayed in each of said secondmessage zones. The second message is the same as the message which ishidden by the opaque covering means 22.

While the second message zone is shown adjacent the aperture 32 in whichthe first element containing the same message is located, sucharrangement is not necessary in order to achieve the purposes of theinvention. Thus, any convenient arrangement may be utilized providedthere is a manner whereby correspondence can be obtained between thehidden messages and the displayed messages so that the content of eachhidden message can be identified without removing the opaque coveringmeans therefrom.

The apparatus can be manufactured by preparing a sheet of material whichwill ultimately comprise the first element and the carrier. Each of thefirst elements, the first message zones, and the first and secondmessages may be defined by being printed on the sheet of material.

Subsequently, the opaque covering means 22 may be applied to the firstmessage zone 16 and the sheet of material may be coupled to a backingsheet which is treated as described above by a layer of adhesive 38. Thefirst elements may then be cut so that they will be readily removablefrom the backing sheet.

The first elements 12 may be displayed in an arrangement such as thatillustrated in FIGS. 1 or 5. Thus, by perusing the second messages inthe second message zones 42, a suitable message may be selected. Thefirst element having a first message which corresponds to the messageselected, may be removed from its aperture. By virtue of the adhesive 38thereon, that element may then be attached to an article such as anenvelope 48 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Upon receipt of the envelope, therecipient may remove the opaque covering means from the first messagezone, thereby revealing the message therein.

While the invention has been described with reference to an embodimentwherein a plurality of first elements are provided and each has adifferent message thereon, it is apparent that the invention describedherein also contemplates an arrangement whereby all of the messages arethe same or where some of the messages are similar to others so that thetotal number of different messages is less than the total number offirst elements presented.

Additionally, it is apparent that the apparatus may comprise only onefirst element rather than a plurality of first elements such asillustrated. in this regard, the apparatus could be sold as premiums orpackaged as novelties or gifts in connection with articles to bemerchandised.

Still further, it is apparent that any suitable means of releasablycoupling the first elements and carriers to each other could beemployed. Thus, while an adhesive layer has been shown, it is apparentthat any other suitable means such as paper hinges, perforations, tape,or the like could be employed.

Therefore, while the invention has been described with reference to oneparticular form thereof, many other forms and embodiments such as thosedescribed .above are encompassed thereby. Further, additional forms andembodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art in view of theforegoing description. Thus, the

scope of the claims should not be limited by the foregoing description,but, rather by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

I claim:

1. An article of manufacture comprising a first element, said firstelement having a first surface, a first message zone on said firstsurface, a first message disposed in said first message zone, removableopaque means in said first message zone covering said first messagetherein so that it cannot be determined, said opaque means in said firstmessage zone being selectively removable therefrom to reveal said firstmessage, a carrier, means for releasably coupling said first element tosaid carrier, a second message zone in said carrier, a second messagedisposed in said second message zone, and said first and second messagesbeing the same so that the content of said first message will be knownuntil said first element is separated from said carrier.

2. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 including adhesivemeans for coupling said first element to said carrier.

3. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 wherein said carrieris larger than said first element and has an aperture therein, saidfirst element being disposed in said aperture and said second messagezone is adjacent said aperture.

4..An article of manufacture as defined in claim 3 wherein said firstelement is substantially the same size as said aperture.

5. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 3 including a secondelement, said second element being disposed in mutually facing relationto said first element and said carrier so that said first and secondmessage zones are visible, and said means for releasably coupling saidfirst element to said carrier comprises a layer of adhesive disposedbetween said first element and said carrier, and said second element.

6. An article of manufacture comprising a plurality of first elements,each of said first elements having a first surface, each of said firstsurfaces having a first message zone therein, a first message disposedin each of said first message zones, removable opaque means in each ofsaid first message zones covering said first messages so that theycannot be determined, each of said opaque means being selectivelyremovable from its respective first message zone to reveal said firstmessage therein, a carrier, means for releasably coupling said firstelements to said carrier, a plurality of second message zones on saidcarrier, a second message disposed in each of said second message zones,said first messages being the same as said second messages and being incorrespondence therewith so the content of said first messages will beknown until its respective first element is separated from said carrier.

7. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 6 including adhesivemeans for coupling each of said first elements to said carrier.

8. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 6 wherein said secondmessage zones are disposed adjacent those of said apertures in which afirst element having the same message is disposed.

9. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 6 wherein said carrierhas a plurality of apertures therein, said apertures being in spacedrelation to each other, and one of said first elements being disposed ineach of said apertures.

sive disposed between said first element and said carrier, and saidsecond element.

11. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 9 where at least twoof said first message zones contain different messages.

1. An article of manufacture comprising a first element, said first element having a first surface, a first message zone on said first surface, a first message disposed in said first message zone, removable opaque means in said first message zone covering said first message therein so that it cannot be determined, said opaque means in said first message zone being selectively removable therefrom to reveal said first message, a carrier, means for releasably coupling said first element to said carrier, a second message zone in said carrier, a second message disposed in said second message zone, and said first and second messages being the same so that the content of said first message will be known until said first element is separated from said carrier.
 2. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 incluDing adhesive means for coupling said first element to said carrier.
 3. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 wherein said carrier is larger than said first element and has an aperture therein, said first element being disposed in said aperture and said second message zone is adjacent said aperture.
 4. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 3 wherein said first element is substantially the same size as said aperture.
 5. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 3 including a second element, said second element being disposed in mutually facing relation to said first element and said carrier so that said first and second message zones are visible, and said means for releasably coupling said first element to said carrier comprises a layer of adhesive disposed between said first element and said carrier, and said second element.
 6. An article of manufacture comprising a plurality of first elements, each of said first elements having a first surface, each of said first surfaces having a first message zone therein, a first message disposed in each of said first message zones, removable opaque means in each of said first message zones covering said first messages so that they cannot be determined, each of said opaque means being selectively removable from its respective first message zone to reveal said first message therein, a carrier, means for releasably coupling said first elements to said carrier, a plurality of second message zones on said carrier, a second message disposed in each of said second message zones, said first messages being the same as said second messages and being in correspondence therewith so the content of said first messages will be known until its respective first element is separated from said carrier.
 7. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 6 including adhesive means for coupling each of said first elements to said carrier.
 8. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 6 wherein said second message zones are disposed adjacent those of said apertures in which a first element having the same message is disposed.
 9. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 6 wherein said carrier has a plurality of apertures therein, said apertures being in spaced relation to each other, and one of said first elements being disposed in each of said apertures.
 10. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 9 including a second element, said second element being disposed in facing relation to said first element and and said carrier so that said first and second message zones are visible, and said means for releasably coupling said first elements to said carrier comprises a layer of adhesive disposed between said first element and said carrier, and said second element.
 11. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 9 where at least two of said first message zones contain different messages. 